Military plans move from Camp X-Ray

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- Hundreds of detainees in the war on terrorism may soon be moved from their makeshift prison to a new $16.4 million facility, but the U.S. military, citing security concerns, does not want the outside world to see.

Military spokesman Maj. James Bell confirmed Saturday that construction has finished on the new 408-cell seaside detention center, Camp Delta, but the military has denied media requests to view the transfer of 300 suspected al-Qaida and Taliban fighters over a distance of a few miles to the new camp.

"The policy is that we will not comment on the movement of detainees -- period -- until any movement has taken place," Maj. Lee Reynolds said Friday without elaborating.

Another base spokesman, Navy Lt. William Breyfogle said the policy is "based on guidance from higher command," but he did not elaborate.

The new camp will give detainees metal beds with mats, flush toilets, wash basins and exercise areas. In Camp X-Ray, detainees have foam pads on a concrete floor and must be led out of their cells to use portable toilets or showers.

The opening of the new camp on Cuba's southeast coast, originally set for April 12, has been delayed because of last-minute changes. The new facility could eventually be expanded to have more than 2,000 cells.